Ethics and the Law

Washington State's Deferred Prosecution Intervention Policy

Deferred prosecution is a unique policy.  No other states have a policy (law) like it, and few have anything similar.  Deferred prosecution is a true intervention initiative.  It recognizes that crisis is often the best incentive to motivate changes in behavior or confront dysfunctional or unhealthy life-styles.  It also recognizes the disease nature of chemical addictions, and the "loss of control" that accompanies chemical dependency and many mental health diagnoses.

However, because it is unique, deferred prosecution is also controversial.  It has evolved over time, changing to reflect public values, and many times facing the prospect of repeal.  Today, deferred prosecution remains one of the primary policy tools for encouraging alcoholics and other drug addicts to seek treatment, accounting for over one-third of the referrals resulting from an arrest for Driving While Under the Influence (DUI).

Click on the buttons or on the links below for a detailed exploration of this unique and important law.

• The Legislative History of deferred Prosecution

• Arguments Against Deferred Prosecution

• The Benefit of Deferred Prosecution

• How to Build a Deferred Prosecution Petition (Slide Show)